Camp at Goat Lake
Darrington, Washington
Details
Distance
10.4 miles
Elevation Gain
1400 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by The Outbound Collective
Great overnight option with lakeside relaxing, established campsites, good fishing, and stellar views. All for the price of a relatively easy hike in, too!
If you just loved your day hike to Goat Lake so much that you want to return and spend some more time, you're in luck - the lake offers a camping area that holds at least 15 campsites and even comes with a pit latrine. This is a great overnight option if you aren't looking for a difficult hike in and are in the mood for some lakeside relaxing. It's also one of the earliest options in the late spring due to its lower elevation, so it makes for a great first overnight of the season.
For camping, turn left at the junction just before the lake where the camping area splits off from the lake. Campsites are set back against the forested hill so as to follow Leave No Trace ethics - please respect the signs around the lake that designate day-use only areas and pitch your tent in the actual camping area. The forest is open all around and very few of the campsites offer much privacy. Campfires are not allowed in any of the campsite areas or by the lake.
There are a number of places to filter water very close by as the lake drains to Elliot Creek right next to the campground, so you have multiple options that are reliable throughout the summer. If you have a fishing permit, bring up your rod and walk out on one of the several fallen logs in the lake and try to catch some bites. Bear canisters are not required here but always safer to bring rope to hang food and scented products.
Hike out the next day after a relaxing morning at the lake!
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Camp at Goat Lake Reviews
Just did this hike/camp last weekend and I’m ready to go back. Left early Friday morning and got to the trailhead by 9am which was a good call because this is a popular location and several backpacker/day hikers showed up over the weekend. The trail is beginner all the way until about the last mile and a half or so which has parts that are intermediate (possibly even advanced depending on the weight you’re carrying). There are some great spots in the camping area and I definitely got the best one. By Saturday evening the place was packed so I can’t stress enough to get there early. I took the Upper Elliot on the way there and Lower on the way back. Didn’t notice much difference considering the intermediate section is after the two paths converge. Lake water is refreshing to drink if you have a filtration system (a must). It says there’s a toilet but it’s basically a wooden commode with no privacy, it’s just sitting on a large downed tree. Other than that, I highly recommend this location!
5.0
Beautiful lake but not much space to hang out at it, make sure to pack light this hike would be moderate without camping gear strapped to your back, we went on a Friday afternoon and many camp spots were taken, by Saturday mid day it was full. No fires aloud either.
3.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Winter Hike to Goat Lake
Hike to Goat Lake
Climb Del Campo Peak, WA
Gothic Basin
Foggy Lake via Gothic Basin
Mt. Dickerman Summit
Community
Mobile Apps
© 2024 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy